The College hosted two events in Chicago this month where we invited our current and upcoming leaders to engage in facilitated training, group activities and future-oriented discussions on how they can improve their skills and advance the College’s mission.
Leadership Summit
The 2026 Leadership Summit gathered 21 early-career allergists for an immersive weekend focused on the practical skills needed to lead high-functioning teams. The success of this program is unmatched – about a quarter of past participants have already stepped up to lead our committees and 18 have served on the Board of Regents.
The Saturday program was facilitated by a professional leadership trainer who offered many practical tools that can be immediately applied in practice, while also challenging our participants to learn, stretch and grow as leaders. On Sunday, College leaders engaged the group in discussions that focused on how we can work together to move the College forward. Key highlights from the event included:
- Conflict resolution: Participants gained tools to manage difficult conversations and navigate differences in behavioral styles.
- Collaboration: A “Marshmallow Challenge” tested participants’ ability to communicate effectively, collaborate under pressure and navigate unexpected challenges.
- Future readiness: Drs. Cherie Zachary and Todd Mahr shared insights into ACAAI and how to get more involved in the College. Dr. J. Wesley Sublett provided an overview of critical issues affecting allergists and their patients, how the Advocacy Council is addressing them, and how to engage as a physician advocate. Dr. Fatima Khan explored the many opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence into practice and the precautions and guardrails needed for responsible use of the new technology. Dr. Maureen Petersen shared tips on how to apply these leadership skills in allergy/immunology with personal examples from her own experience.
Inaugural Advocacy Summit
Modeled after the Leadership Summit, this program brought together 25 HOD State Delegates to strengthen their advocacy skills. Interactive sessions included:
- Advocacy overview: Drs. Travis Miller and James Tracy provided a high‑level outline of the advocacy landscape and effective advocacy at both the state and national levels.
- Media engagement: Ms. Hollis Heavenrich-Jones, ACAAI Director of Public Relations, presented a dynamic media‑training session to help participants learn how to confidently engage with reporters.
- Legislative simulation: Dr. J. Allen Meadows and Mr. Matt Reiter, Capitol Associates Principal, facilitated role-playing exercises where attendees analyzed legislation and worked to persuade “legislators” to support or oppose it.
The College remains committed to investing in our future leaders. These impactful programs provide the essential guidance and skills members need to navigate their professional journeys with confidence.
